Comments: Iraq needs free institutions

A selection of comments sent to us in response to Laith Saud's editorial: Iraq needs free institutions not elections.

18 Dec 2005 07:19 GMT

Political change will never be realistic in the future Iraq, unless the Iraqi people are allowed to determine their countries own political future free from foreign military intervention.

Walter Sharpe, England

What is that that causes this level of hatred of democratic institutions? Is it that they are "Western" ? This despite the fact you live in the US, and benefit from the system also.

"Iraq has ceased to be ... what? "You mean to say it was a better system under Saddam? Must you be in such denial? Iraqis' turnout has been huge. They have spoken.

Anand Mohan, US

Quit focusing on the bad, look to the potential future, Sir. You are exactly the reason Arabs have no democracies. More importantly, you are the reason why most people in the West really do not care about that fact.

Of course the infrastructure of Iraq has to be rebuilt! Not sure if you are aware, but there was a war there. How much further along would they be if Arab terrorists did not constantly try to disturb the process? No Arab ever seems to point at them.

Ryan, US

Despite all the negativism, the situation tells us that Mr Bush and his team are doing the best they can.

Rev Sebastian P Harwicke, Angola

Thankfully we can still read some independent news without any influence. Thanks to internet.

Jose Vitoria, Spain/England

W

e love our Muslim brothers. I am a believer of Jesus, but we can all be together. The USA is not looking for land or conquest. We want stable lands so people can flourish. We do not want your land. Fight on brothers!Scott, US

Today we learned that a whole lot of real Iraqis are not as pessimistic as Mr Saud.Mike Salvi, US